RA.419 Traxman

"You're now tuned into the motherfucking Traxman." Chicago producer Cornelius Ferguson—or Corky Strong—has been forging uptempo sounds like ghettotech, footwork and juke since the mid-'90s. He's a godfather of sorts to the modern footwork scene, but it's likely that most were introduced to him through his excellent 2012 Planet Mu debut Da Mind Of Traxman. The album felt like work of a wizened producer, but it still had the gritty edge of Ferguson's younger peers like Rashad, Spinn and Manny.

This year, Ferguson followed it up with a second volume. Tighter and more confident, Da Mind Of Traxman 2 is a landmark for the minimal side of footwork in the same way that Rashad's Double Cup showcased its more soulful dimension. Some tracks are composed of just one or two samples sliced and diced to face-melting extremes, an approach that carries over to his RA podcast. Heavy on his own tracks—including his unforgettable edit of Kraftwerk's "Computer Love"—it's mixed with a distinctive, quick-fingered flair.

What have you been up to recently?

Just making muzic like always, coming up with new sounds.

How and where was the mix recorded?

At my lab Westside USA Chi city LOL.

Can you tell us about the idea behind the mix?

Well there's really not anything super great, it's pretty much some things that pop up in my head for some records I can play with each other LOL.

Your DJ style seems to be influenced by hip-hop. Do many footwork DJs scratch in the way you do?

LOL wowwww like I'm just a regular DJ that loves tha art of mixxin that's #1.